Author Archives

Elizabeth Libberton is the library media specialist at St. Charles East High School in St. Charles Illinois. She currently writes book reviews for School Library Journal. She is a member of the ALA Awards Selection Committee. Also, she is a member of the steering committee for the AISLE Lincoln Book Award.
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Using A Book Talk Checklist
Keeping track of what books I talked about to which classes all throughout the semester or year can be a big task. How many times has a student come back to ask, “what was that book you told me about… Read More ›
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Summer of Sequels
This summer I decided on a new reading plan. Sequels only. During the school year I can’t read sequels for the simple reason that I can’t book-talk them. I focus my reading on award books, stand alone novels, or first… Read More ›
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Popular Verse Poetry For Teens
Verse poetry novels cover a wide variety of topics, are a unique reading format, and can be engaging for more reluctant readers. Over the past few years there has been a rise in the amount of really great verse poetry… Read More ›
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5 Spring Cleaning Tips For Your Collection
The season for spring cleaning is upon us. Our school library collections are no exception, we need to clear out and clean up each year to make way for the new. Below are 5 weeding and collection cleaning tips that… Read More ›
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5 Marketing Strategies School Libraries Can Use
Getting books into the hands of students is the goal for any school library, no matter the age of the learners. I am always looking for new ideas on how to draw students’ attention into the school library, and how… Read More ›
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Building Dreams and Community: Celebrating Crayola Creativity Week with Ali and The Sea Stars
Wondering how to add some drama to your lessons? On Tuesday, January 24th join Broadway Star Ali Stroker and Illustrator Gillian Reid as they read their children’s book Ali and the Sea Stars. Ali and Gillian will be sharing inspiring… Read More ›
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Thank “phone” ness Challenge
November is all about reflection. We focus on what we are grateful for in our lives. What we are thankful for everyday. If you are in need of an ice breaker for your November school library meeting, or just around… Read More ›
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Stranger Library Reading Challenge
To capitalize on the popularity of the Netflix Series Stranger Things during the Halloween season, I created a Stranger Library Reading Challenge. A fun and festive way to get students involved in reading at the school library. This challenge asks… Read More ›
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When to Hold On, When to Let Go
When we no longer have the what is needed for them, when is it time to let go of programs in our school library that we have grown from a seed? When is it worth the fight with our… Read More ›
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Read & Relax: 5 YA Books To Read This Summer
We all need to take time for self care during the summer months. Time to recharge, regroup, and center before the next school year begins. All of us love books and love to read. That was probably the motivating factor… Read More ›